Summary
The Congress party has launched a strong attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of breaking his famous anti-corruption promise of “na khaunga, na khane doonga” (I will not eat, nor let others eat). Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the slogan turned out to be a hoax and that the Modi government has delivered “minimum governance, maximum cover-ups.” The attack comes as part of a broader political offensive ahead of upcoming elections.
Main Impact
The Congress party’s sharp criticism of Prime Minister Modi’s anti-corruption pledge is aimed at damaging his image as a clean leader. By citing multiple controversies, from demonetisation to the Rafale deal, the Congress is trying to show that the Modi government has failed to live up to its promise of honest governance. This attack could influence public opinion and become a key issue in the next general elections.
Key Details
What Happened
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said that when Narendra Modi became prime minister in May 2014, he promised clean governance with the slogan “na khaunga, na khane doonga.” But Ramesh claimed that this promise was quickly broken. He accused the government of protecting wrongdoers instead of punishing them. Ramesh said the reality under Modi has been “khaunga, khane doonga, aur khilaunga” (I will eat, let others eat, and feed others).
Important Numbers and Facts
Ramesh pointed to several events to support his claims. He mentioned demonetisation on November 8, 2016, which former prime minister Manmohan Singh called “organised loot and legalised plunder.” He also raised allegations about the Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC), claiming its merger with ONGC was meant to hide a Rs 20,000 crore scam during Modi’s time as Gujarat chief minister. The government has denied these allegations. Ramesh also criticised the electoral bonds scheme, calling it a “chanda do, dhanda lo” (give donation, get business) arrangement that lets corporate money influence politics.
Background and Context
The “na khaunga, na khane doonga” slogan was a key part of Narendra Modi’s campaign in 2014. It promised that he would not be corrupt and would not allow anyone else to be corrupt. This message helped him win the trust of many voters who were tired of corruption scandals under the previous UPA government. Over the years, the Congress has repeatedly questioned the Modi government’s record on corruption, pointing to issues like the Rafale deal, the Adani Group links, and the PM CARES Fund. The latest attack is part of this ongoing political battle.
Public or Industry Reaction
The Congress party’s attack has been met with strong denial from the BJP. The ruling party maintains that the Modi government has taken strict action against corruption and improved transparency. However, opposition parties and some civil society groups have echoed Congress’s concerns, especially about the electoral bonds scheme and the handling of the Ram Mandir land transactions. The public reaction is mixed, with Modi’s supporters defending his record and critics pointing to the various controversies raised by the Congress.
What This Means Going Forward
The Congress’s offensive is likely to intensify as elections approach. By focusing on corruption and accountability, the party hopes to regain lost ground. The BJP will need to counter these allegations with concrete evidence of its anti-corruption actions. The debate over the “na khaunga, na khane doonga” promise could become a central theme in the upcoming political campaigns. If the Congress can convince voters that the promise was broken, it could damage Modi’s reputation as a clean leader. However, the BJP’s strong organisational machinery and Modi’s personal popularity remain major challenges for the opposition.
Final Take
The Congress party’s attack on Prime Minister Modi’s anti-corruption pledge is a calculated political move. By revisiting the “na khaunga, na khane doonga” slogan, the Congress is trying to remind voters of a promise that many believe has not been kept. Whether this strategy works will depend on how much the public trusts the Congress’s allegations and whether the BJP can effectively defend its record. The coming months will show if this attack can shift the political narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “na khaunga, na khane doonga” mean?
It is a Hindi phrase that means “I will not eat, nor let others eat.” It was used by Narendra Modi during his 2014 election campaign to promise that he would not be corrupt and would not allow anyone else to be corrupt.
What is the Congress party accusing the Modi government of?
The Congress is accusing the Modi government of failing to keep its anti-corruption promise. They claim the government has protected wrongdoers, allowed corporate money to influence politics, and covered up scams like the GSPC merger and the Rafale deal.
How has the BJP responded to these allegations?
The BJP has rejected all the allegations, saying that the Modi government has taken strict action against corruption and improved transparency. They maintain that the Congress is making false claims for political gain.
